Five Things I wish I had Known When I was Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Update & Re-Release

Explicit content warning

12/15/23 • 41 min

After discovering that episode 14 is the most downloaded of all my Arthritis Life Podcast episodes, I decided to release it with some additional insights from my perspective now. I also provide some updates after facilitating support groups for over 250 people in the last three years.

This episode includes a deep dive into how rheumatoid arthritis affects more than just joints – it affects people’s whole bodies, and whole lives. I reflect on the five things I wish I had known when I was first diagnosed, way back in 2003. I hope that these reflections help you feel less alone and more grounded as you try to manage the best life possible with inflammatory arthritis!

Episode at a glance:

#1 – Rheumatoid Arthritis affects more than just joints.
#2 – RA affects your social life in difficult ways (such as misconceptions) and positive ways (such as connections with a chronic illness community)
Tips for using websites and social in productive ways
#3 – Gray areas are the norm for autoimmune disease
#4 – Living with chronic illness will affect your mental health.
Cheryl’s experience with allowing herself to grieve her health
Medical gaslighting.
#5 – Managing RA is a job but you can learn how to do it!

Medical disclaimer:

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

For full episode details including a transcript:

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website.

Episode at a glance:

#1 – Rheumatoid Arthritis affects more than just joints.
#2 – RA affects your social life in difficult ways (such as misconceptions) and positive ways (such as connections with a chronic illness community)
Tips for using websites and social in productive ways
#3 – Gray areas are the norm for autoimmune disease
#4 – Living with chronic illness will affect your mental health.
Cheryl’s experience with allowing herself to grieve her health
Medical gaslighting.
#5 – Managing RA is a job but you can learn how to do it!

Medical disclaimer:

Episode Sponsors

For full episode details including a transcript:

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website.

Previous Episode

What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Arthritis? Panel Discussion #3

This is a follow up to episode 45: “What’s it like to be on Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis?” Paulina, Jenny, Ali, and Ananthi share what’s changed and what has stayed the same with their medications, including whether they’re still on methotrexate. They also reflect on how they’ve navigated the ups and downs of chronic illness life and share how grief and joy can co-exist. They also highlight the importance of finding a supportive community with shared experiences. They also discuss their choices around how much to share on social media about their experiences.

Paulina, Jenny, Ali, and Ananthi each share wisdom that has guided them along this nonlinear journey; encouraging self-care, advocating, celebrating small victories, and approaching life one day at a time. They conclude with a discussion about how to balance acceptance and adapting with a “fixing” mindset.

Medical disclaimer:

Episode Sponsors

For full episode details including a transcript and video:

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website.

Next Episode

From Medical Gaslighting to a Sjogren’s Diagnosis: Dr. Rebecca Hosey’s Story

Cheryl and Dr. Hosey delve into the importance of accepting the unpredictability of life with chronic illness and redefining what constitutes a "normal" life. This includes a discussion about resilience, mindfulness, and the potential for personal growth in the face of chronic health struggles.

Dr. Hosey's shares how she turned her pain into purpose, referencing her upcoming book, 'Girl on a Gurney: Trading my White Coat for a Hospital Gown’. She also provides tangible solutions for medical gaslighting, including medical student education in this phenomenon.

** Medical disclaimer:

** Episode Sponsor
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

*For full episode show notes, go to the show page on the Arthritis Life website at: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2024/01/05/from-medical-gaslighting-to-a-sjogrens-diagnosis-dr-rebecca-hoseys-story/